A car and bicycle collision can be life-altering in an instant, resulting in injuries, confusion, and unanswered questions about what went wrong. Whether behind the wheel or on two wheels, these accidents are often caused by split-second decisions or limited visibility on Alabama’s busy roads.

In 2023, drivers struck cyclists in 166 collisions in Alabama, leading to nine tragic fatalities and 112 injuries. Understanding the leading causes of these accidents can help prevent future tragedies and clarify liability when injuries occur.

Discover the most common causes of bicycle-vehicle collisions and essential safety tips to help protect both cyclists and drivers. If you’ve been involved in a crash, an experienced Huntsville car accident lawyer at Tyler Mann Injury Law can guide you through your rights and legal options.

Navigating Intersections: A Hotspot for Bicycle-Car Collisions

Intersections are one of the most common areas where collisions between cars and bicycles occur. In 2022, 29% of all bicyclist fatalities in the U.S. occurred at intersections. Here’s why these locations are so dangerous:

  • Right Turns Across Bike Lanes: Drivers frequently make right turns without checking for cyclists traveling straight in adjacent bike lanes, creating hazardous situations.
  • Failure to Yield: Many crashes occur when drivers or cyclists fail to yield the right of way, particularly at stop signs or traffic signals.

Distracted and Drunk Driving: Major Contributors to Collisions

Driver negligence is a major factor in all traffic collisions, with distracted and impaired driving leading the list of causes. Typical driver negligence includes:

  • Texting While Driving: Texting behind the wheel is dangerous and illegal. Looking at a phone for even a moment can cause drivers to miss cyclists riding in bike lanes or approaching intersections.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. In 2022, 37% of fatal bicycle-car crashes in the U.S. involved alcohol use.

Door Collisions: The Dangers of “Dooring”

Dooring accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These incidents are responsible for up to 10% of all bicycle-traffic crash injuries and happen due to:

  • Failing to check for cyclists before opening a door
  • Parking along bike lanes in busy urban areas
  • Distracted behavior, such as focusing on phones or conversations

When dooring happens, cyclists often collide with the door or fall to the ground, resulting in various injuries. Over a 10-year period, more than 17,000 cyclists in the U.S. visited the ER for dooring-related injuries. About 13% suffered broken bones, and nearly 20% sustained injuries to multiple areas, such as the hands and face.

Failure To Yield and Reckless Overtaking

Failure to yield the right of way and unsafe overtaking are other causes of car and bicycle collisions. Drivers may attempt to pass cyclists without leaving sufficient space, increasing the risk of side-swiping or forcing cyclists off the road.

Alabama law requires drivers to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Bike riders should stay as far right as safely possible and use proper hand signals to indicate turns.

The Role of Visibility in Preventing Bike-Car Accidents

Visibility plays a vital role in preventing collisions between cars and bicycles. Many accidents occur simply because a driver fails to see a cyclist, especially in low-light conditions or during poor weather. Common issues include:

  • Cyclists Without Proper Gear: Riding without reflective clothing or lights makes it harder for drivers to notice cyclists.
  • Blind Spots: Cyclists riding in vehicles’ blind spots can be difficult for drivers to detect, especially when changing lanes.
  • Obstructed Views: Parked cars, overgrown foliage, and poor road design can obscure a cyclist from a driver’s view.

How To Protect Yourself and Prevent Accidents

Both drivers and cyclists can take steps to prevent accidents and create safer roads. Key safety measures include:

  • For Cyclists: Wear a helmet, use reflective gear, follow traffic laws, and install LED head and tail lights on your bicycle to ensure motorists can see you.
  • For Drivers: Stay alert, check blind spots, avoid distractions, and respect bike lanes.

When both parties respect traffic laws and remain aware of their surroundings, they can reduce the risk of bicycle-car collisions in Alabama.

Legal Help for Injured Cyclists

Even with careful attention to safety, accidents involving negligent drivers still occur. Understanding your legal rights as an injured cyclist can help you move forward. We know the challenges cyclists face on Alabama roads and work tirelessly to hold careless drivers accountable.

Our skilled car accident lawyers at Tyler Mann Injury Law can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free case review to learn your legal options for financial recovery.